The National Hockey League Players’ Association (the “NHLPA” or the “Union”), on behalf of Boston Player Shawn Thornton, has appealed from a December 14, 2013 supplementary discipline decision suspending Mr. Thornton for fifteen (15) games. This shall constitute my determination of Mr. Thornton’s appeal. For the reasons described herein, I find that the decision suspending Mr. Thornton for fifteen (15) games was supported by clear and convincing evidence.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Oilers GM Craig MacTavish must decide if he’ll make a move now, or wait until after the season. It’s hard to do a “franchise-altering” trade mid-season.

You wait until your year is over, take a deep breath and then determine what exactly is out there. You find out who else is unhappy with their team (or a player) and what they are willing to do. Last June, for example, that was Boston and the Dallas Stars, or Vancouver and the New Jersey Devils.

Friedman thinks that MacTavish (if he hasn’t already) should call up the Predators GM David Poile to check in on Shea Weber and say: “If you decide to trade No. 6, I’m in. I’ve got what you want. There’s no better fit in the league.” The Oilers could package one of their previous 1st round picks, not named Nail Yakupov, and this year’s first as part of the deal.

On the pre-Christmas trade market: “Brutal.” One NHL GM: “There was absolutely nothing out there.”

Linus Omark trade: A conditional 2014 6th round pick from the Sabres: In 2014 if he plays 15 games this year or if he re-signs before the draft. In 2015 if he re-signs after the draft.

Predators GM David Poile would like to make a move, but has not discussed trading Shea Weber.

Dion Phaneuf’s deal with the Maple Leafs could be done by New Year’s.

The Maple Leafs talked to the Canucks years ago before they traded Alex Steen to the Blues. They may have asked for Kevin Bieksa.

Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Zach Parise is being evaluated. He missed their last game with a lower-body injury. It is thought that Parise’s bruised foot from the end of November has never fully healed. He’s still limping off ice.

Helene St. James: Red Wings Jonathan Ericsson is out three to five weeks with fractured ribs. He could miss the Olympics.

Lou Korac: (24th) The Blues have sent Chris Porter and Dmitrij Jaskin to the AHL.